Six Additional Judges Confirmed as Permanent Justices of Bombay High Court

The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has confirmed the elevation of six Additional Judges to permanent positions at the Bombay High Court, following recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium and subsequent presidential approval. The appointments strengthen one of India's oldest and most extensive High Court jurisdictions. The newly confirmed permanent judges are Justice Nivedita Prakash Mehta, Justice Prafulla Surendrakumar Khubalkar, Justice Ashwin Damodar Bhobe, Justice Rohit Wasudeo Joshi, Justice Advait Mahendra Sethna, and Justice Pravin Sheshrao Patil. Each served as an Additional Judge, during which their judicial conduct, constitutional interpretations, and case disposal rates were closely evaluated by institutional oversight bodies. The transition from Additional to permanent judge is a critical milestone in the Indian judicial hierarchy, conferring tenure security and full institutional independence — essential conditions for impartial adjudication across complex civil, criminal, and constitutional matters. The Bombay High Court exercises jurisdiction over Maharashtra and Goa, as well as the Union Territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The court has been managing a heavy docket of corporate litigation, public interest petitions, and appellate reviews, making a fully staffed permanent bench an operational necessity. Legal experts and bar associations have welcomed the confirmations, noting that judicial vacancies at the High Court level directly affect case pendency and the timely delivery of justice. The newly permanent judges are expected to continue presiding at the principal seat in Mumbai and at the regional benches in Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji.